This letter was recently mailed to Shoalers who expressed an interest in the 2007 Chapel project.

Dear Star Island Community Member,

In January, I informed you that Star Island Corporation will be adding a second means of egress to our historic chapel building. We have now finalized a plan for this project and are excited to tell you about it.

Our plan is to put a door in the rear (west-facing) wall of the chapel. The door will go out through the center of the rear wall, through the rear wall of the bell tower. As many Shoalers are aware, there is clear evidence that at one time, likely before the bell tower was constructed, there was a door in this same spot in the chapel. Thus the location of this door has historic precedence. We have had a number of stone masons examine the bell tower to make recommendations about door locations and stability. Putting a door out the rear of the bell tower, rather than using the small existing side door in the bell tower, will allow us to have a standard sized door and an exit that goes directly out of the chapel rather than involving a tight turn. This will be easier on an every day basis, and certainly will be easier in any emergency situations.

Our plan also includes a new path and ramp to the chapel. The ramp will be constructed primarily of earth with stone walls. It will start at the rear of the chapel at the new bell tower doorway. It will swing immediately to the left and will run along the south side of the chapel. It will connect to the main footpath on the east side of the chapel. In a separate decision, the board of directors had decided to surface the footpath between the main ramping system (by Cottage A) up to the chapel to improve access. By surfacing the path and the new ramp with a surface suitable for wheelchair passage we will dramatically improve access for those with mobility challenges. There are parts of the path that are steeper than recommended for wheelchair passage, and thus someone in a wheelchair might need assistance in passing on those parts. However, we see this as a great improvement in chapel access.

As noted in prior letters and discussion, the primary driver of this project has been fire egress. We have met with the Rye Fire Chief and will be submitting this plan to the Rye Historic District for consideration this month. If the plan is approved, we will be able to have 80 people in the chapel rather than our current limit of 50 people. Both the fire chief and the historic district leaders have visited the site and stated verbally they think this is a concept with merit.

As noted before, assuming this approval process goes according to plan we anticipate starting work in September after the last guests have left the island. This project will take several weeks once started, so we felt it was important to start work after summer to assure no one’s chapel experience is disrupted during the season.

How Can You Help?It is time to raise funds for this exciting project! Already numerous Star Island Community members have stepped forward with donations for this endeavor. Gifts total $16,000 and pledges total $1,500. We believe the total cost of the project will be approximately $45,000. We are still seeking $27,500 in funds, and would very much appreciate the opportunity to include you in this important effort. Any funds raised in excess of the project cost will be placed in the Permanent Trust to continue to build long term financial strength for Star Island.

If you would like to contribute to this effort please send contributions to the Star Island Corporation office, marked for the chapel door project.

Numerous people have inquired about volunteering for this project as well. If you are interested in volunteering please get in touch with Sumar or me (Contact Page). We will be looking at volunteer opportunities as we develop the scope of work for the project.

Our Mission

Our mission since 1915 is to hold and maintain Star Island and such other property as the Corporation may hold or acquire, as a center for religious, education, and kindred purposes consistent with the principles of the Unitarian Universalist Association and the United Church of Christ.

Our Vision

Our vision is to create on Star Island an environment that frees all who come to renew spiritually, explore matters of consequence, and gain knowledge about the world as it might ideally be.